WeTried Translations

Translator: Hydrogen B

Editor: Hydrogen B

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ Sword Master of the Fallen Kingdom

Chapter 97

──────

How to Cross the Waves (3)

"So you're saying there are no ships going to Rustin right now?"

Kyle asked again. The sailor nodded. He stared openly at Kyle and Elysia. A veteran mercenary in a black cloak, clearly skilled at a glance, and a mage in a white robe who looked like she had money to spare. One look was enough to guess their situation.

"Looks like you're inlanders. First time crossing the sea, right?"

After studying the two of them, the sailor sighed as if he had expected as much. Kyle looked back at Elysia. She was staring up at him. No matter how anyone looked at them, neither of them had been born and raised by the sea.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Obvious? Of course it's obvious, man. And that's just how things work around here. The weather changes every other day."

The sailor, his skin tanned from shipwork, waved his hand with an exaggerated motion. The weather was perfectly decent today, but he furrowed his brow as if he was already sick of it.

"Above all, there have always been fewer ships going to the Federation in autumn. Ships are too affected by the weather. To get from Cadis to the Rustin Kingdom, you have to pass through the strait, and in autumn, storms roll in on a regular cycle."

"Are those storms that rough?"

"That rough? Ha! Don't even get me started. More than a few ships have sunk after stubbornly trying to force their way through autumn storms. Straits already have rough currents by nature. Add a storm on top of that, and what can you do? That's why most ships this season head south to Azaril. Even the pirates of the Corsa Archipelago don't sail much in autumn. There's nothing to plunder."

The sailor's explanation was simple. Ships that followed the coastline from Cadis and docked at Rustin, the southern kingdom of the Federation, had to cross the strait between the Corsa Archipelago. In autumn, storms made the currents much rougher than at other times of year.

Because of that, ships bound for the Federation decreased sharply during this season. It was not that there were none at all, but the timing had to line up. The autumn storm did not rage all season long. Unluckily, their timing seemed to be just a little off. If they had arrived a few days sooner, they might have been able to board a ship and leave right away.

"Is there really no other way?"

Elysia, who had been listening, asked. The sailor glanced at her beside Kyle, then scratched the back of his head roughly.

"Are you in a real hurry?"

"Yes."

"Let's see... if you wait about a week, a ship heading that way might show up. If you're lucky, it could be sooner. The weather's the problem, but there is steady demand for ships to the Federation all year round."

"What about tomorrow?"

They could not sit around waiting endlessly for a ship whose departure date they did not know. At Kyle's question, the sailor let out a low hum, then shook his head.

"That'll be hard."

"What about buying a ship ourselves?"

"Do you have an incredible amount of money? That could be one way."

"Then..."

"I still wouldn't recommend it. Even if you buy a ship, you'll need to find sailors and a captain, and with the season like this, that's hard. You'll have to pay plenty extra. And if you buy some small ship, it'll sink that much easier."

"As long as we can reach the Federation somehow, money doesn't matter. Still impossible?"

"Well. Even so..."

The sailor was still thinking when a man stepped off a plank and came down onto the pier behind him. He was a seaman dressed similarly to the sailor.

"Hey, Gren!"

The sailor turned and shouted at the man.

"What?"

"These travelers from inland are looking for a ship to the Federation. Know anything?"

"A ship to the Federation?"

"They say a trade ship is fine too, not just a passenger ship."

"Ah, in that case, I think the Black Swan Trade Company has a trade ship leaving tomorrow or the day after. I only heard it in passing, so I'm not sure."

"Oh, really?"

The man exchanged a few more words, then left, saying he was tired.

The sailor put on a triumphant look and spoke again.

"You hear that? Not certain, but apparently a trade ship from the Black Swan Trade Company is leaving the day after tomorrow."

"The day after tomorrow..."

"You won't find anything faster in this situation. See that ship over there?"

The sailor turned his gaze and pointed at an enormous ship in the middle of the pier. The ship the sailor's acquaintance had just gotten off also looked huge, but that one seemed even bigger.

How many meters long was it?

Fifty? Or sixty?

"That ship is one of the Black Swan Trade Company's trade ships. They have several more besides that one."

Compared to the container ships and cruise ships of twenty-first-century Earth, it was pitifully shabby, but in this world, it was huge. The other ships around it proved that. Its presence alone was different. Overwhelming, really.

"...They must be quite a large maritime trade company."

"Quite large doesn't cover it. They're one of the three biggest trade companies in Cadis. That ship has been docked for a while, so its sails are folded and hard to see, but do you see the black swan mark drawn on the ship beside it, the one that came in recently?"

The sailor's finger moved to the side. There stood a merchant ship slightly smaller than the other one.

"You can tell just from the symbol on that sail, but the head of the Black Swan Trade Company is famous for being mad about money. His nickname is the Mad Money Fiend, so that says it all."

"The Mad Money Fiend..."

Elysia muttered in a sour voice. The sailor simply shrugged without much reaction.

"Wouldn't you have to be that kind of man to launch a ship in autumn?"

Elysia could not answer. She seemed at a loss for words. No particular rebuttal came to mind.

"Anyway, if you're looking for a ship to the Federation, try visiting the Black Swan Trade Company. I can't promise anything, but there really might be a trade ship leaving the day after tomorrow."

"If it is a trade ship, wouldn't boarding be impossible even if we paid, unlike a passenger ship?"

A passenger ship earned its main income by carrying passengers. Trade ships were different. They reduced the number of people as much as possible and loaded even one more piece of cargo. Normally, boarding one was difficult.

"What in this world can't be done with money? If you can't board a trade ship after paying, that just means the amount wasn't enough. Even more when there are no other choices like now. And if that doesn't work, you can join as guards, can't you? You look plenty skilled."

"That is true. Where is it?"

The sailor pointed to the other side of the pier.

"Go that way. Did you get an inn?"

"We did. I think it was called Beacon of the Sea."

"Beacon of the Sea is the biggest inn in central Cadis. Perfect, then. The Black Swan Trade Company's headquarters is near there too. Leave the inn, go straight, then turn right..."

The sailor explained the Black Swan Trade Company's location in detail. Based on the sailor's explanation, Kyle pictured the location of the Black Swan Trade Company in his head.

The man had talked a bit longer than necessary, but it was not too hard.

"Thanks. That's enough."

"Is it? Just in case you can't find the way, come later to an inn near the pier called Red Pomegranate. I have work now, so I can't, but by sunset, I can at least guide you there."

"I'll remember that."

The sailor waved a hand and left to do his work. After watching his back for a moment, Kyle left the pier with Elysia. The sounds that had been right in front of them grew distant. As the noise of the people drew closer, the sun in the sky slowly tilted down.

***

"People of the sea are kind. The fruit seller before was like that too. I did not expect we could get information this easily."

"I handed him a silver coin. Anyone becomes kind in front of money."

"True. You do spend freely, Kyle."

"What?"

"That was a joke. I'm the one tagging along with you anyway, and I rely on you for all lodging expenses too, so I'm in no position to say that."

Chatting idly, the two soon entered the center of the city.

It did not take long to find the headquarters of the trade company they had set as their destination.

"This is it."

"Seems so."

Beacon of the Sea, the inn Kyle had reserved earlier. The Black Swan Trade Company's headquarters had been built near it. Beacon of the Sea was the best-equipped inn in Cadis, and the Black Swan Trade Company was one of the city's three largest trade companies. It was only natural for the best facilities to gather in the center of the city.

"Let's go in."

Leaving the passing people on the street behind, Kyle entered the trade company building. Elysia followed a beat later.

The inside was as large and neat as it looked from outside. At a glance, countless people were bustling around. People who had come looking for passage by ship, like Kyle. People who had come to entrust the company with transporting goods. Mercenaries looking for work. And the employees at the counters handling all those tasks.

One employee called out in a loud voice. The man right in front of her left, and only then did Kyle and Elysia's turn come.

"Welcome. What brings you here?"

The female employee asked in a gentle voice. Kyle looked around once, then exchanged a glance with Elysia before answering.

"We're looking for a ship."

"Are you entrusting us with cargo, or are you looking to board?"

"Board."

"Do you have a reservation?"

"No. Something that can leave as soon as possible."

"Your destination..."

"The southernmost port city of the Rustin Kingdom in the Grandecia Federation."

The moment Kyle spoke, the female employee at the counter stiffened and gave him a troubled look.

"I'm sorry, but ships currently heading to the Federation are..."

"Difficult?"

"Yes. I don't know if you're aware, but there are no ships heading toward the Federation right now because of the autumn storm. Other companies are likely the same as us."

"Are there truly none? Not a single ship?"

Before the employee could speak, Kyle reached into his chest first.

What came out was the Inventory Pouch Gerard, formerly an elder of the Lenore Magic Tower, had given him. Kyle took a small bundle from inside and placed it on the counter. After untying the string and checking the contents, the employee's eyes trembled violently.

"T-This is..."

"The amount doesn't matter. It doesn't have to be a passenger ship. As long as we can arrive at the Federation, that's enough."

"P-Please wait a moment."

The female employee left with a startled expression. Elysia looked at Kyle with curious eyes.

"What exactly is inside?"

"Top-grade Magicite."

"Top-grade Magicite...? Everything inside that bundle?"

"Gold coins are hard to carry around. In terms of weight and volume, top-grade Magicite is most convenient. There's more than enough demand for it too."

It would also be usable if the ring ever ran out of mana.

Kyle looked at the white ring on his left hand. He had used a sword form when he killed Great Chieftain Zakan, but perhaps because he had ended the fight as quickly as possible, it had more mana left than expected. It was still replenishing even now, so it did not seem like a major problem.

"Thank you for waiting. Um..."

Not long after, the female employee returned. She looked back and forth between Kyle and the bundle on the counter, choosing her words.

"The Merchant Head is asking for you. He asks if you can meet him for a moment..."

"No problem. Lead the way."

Kyle retrieved the bundle, then he and Elysia followed the female employee up to the fourth floor, the top floor of the building. She stopped in front of a room and carefully knocked twice.

"Tell them to come in."

"Understood."

After an answer came from inside, the female employee bowed politely and left. Kyle and Elysia opened the door and stepped inside.

"You've arrived. I heard the story. Please sit first."

A thin man with a sharp, fastidious look rose from his desk and offered them seats on a sofa to one side. Kyle and Elysia sat without refusing. The man sat across from them. He wore a relaxed expression as he looked the two of them over.

"I am Enrico Seran, Merchant Head of the Black Swan Trade Company."

"Kyle. Beside me is my companion, Ellie."

After the brief introductions, Enrico, the Merchant Head, pushed up his glasses with one finger.

"I heard you are looking for a ship to the Federation. Is that correct?"

"And that any amount will do."

"Check it yourself."

Kyle took out the bundle he had shown the employee at the counter earlier. Enrico narrowed his eyes and checked the inside, then raised his eyebrows with a hint of surprise.

"Top-grade Magicite... all genuine."

"They were procured from a Magic Tower, so there is no need to doubt the quality."

"Yes, I have confirmed it properly. It seems time is more urgent to you than money."

"Can this get us a ship?"

"Hmm..."

Enrico did not answer. After taking his time with a low hum, he slowly opened his mouth.

"Ten days from now, a passenger ship is scheduled to depart. As you wish, it is a ship bound for the Rustin Kingdom of the Federation. But for customers like you, I believe we can move the departure up to one week from now."

"One week?"

"Yes."

That was different from what the sailor at the pier had said. For the two of them, who valued every single day, one week was too late.

"I'm sorry, but that is the fastest ship right now."

Kyle glared at Enrico. Enrico continued calmly.

"The storms this season are that rough. One week. We cannot move the schedule any further than that. Under the original plan, the ship would depart in ten days, once the storm has fully settled, but seven days should barely be possible."

"The storm might not be as bad as expected."

"That could happen. The storm around this time last year was like that."

But.

Enrico added with a serious look.

"Given the testimony of sailors from the last ship to return from the Federation, as well as the current wind direction and wave flow in Cadis, the odds are high that it will not be easy. Autumn storms may vary in strength, but their timing is almost the same each year, so it will be impossible to simply pass through."

Enrico explained that few trade companies launched ships toward the Federation in autumn, and the Black Swan Trade Company was one of those few. There was no better method than this. Even if they visited another maritime trade company, they would not find a better solution.

"So..."

"Why don't you stop there? You already heard it, didn't you? We want a ship that can leave immediately."

Kyle spoke with a slight trace of killing intent. For one instant, Enrico's expression hardened.

"I'm not looking for a passenger ship that leaves in a week. Even if I pay extra, I want a ship that can leave today or tomorrow."

"But it is too dangerous..."

"Didn't you call me here knowing all that? Danger means there is that much greater profit if you move. We are fully aware of that level of risk too. If you were planning to circle around the point and gain the upper hand before starting the deal, you had better drop it. I am not that patient."

Kyle spoke in a calm tone and stroked the scabbard of the sword resting on his lap. Enrico gulped. It was somehow different from the pressure of a simple mercenary. A sticky, unpleasant sensation swept over the nape of his neck.

"My apologies. I was being presumptuous for a moment."

He lightly swept back his hair, then spoke in a much more careful voice.

"As you wish, there is one ship leaving tomorrow."

"A trade ship?"

"...You knew?"

"The sailors at the pier said there might be a trade ship leaving for the Federation the day after tomorrow."

"Ha... I will need to keep a tighter grip on our sailors. Men who work ships have pointlessly loose mouths."

Enrico let out a sigh. Kyle gestured with his chin toward the bundle on the table and spoke.

"Is it possible?"

"Whether I should call it possible... you may already know this, but passenger ships and trade ships are completely different. We usually do not sell passage on trade ships. If there is room to make passenger cabins, we load even one more piece of cargo there instead."

"So?"

The corners of Kyle's mouth rose on their own. The man had been frightened by Kyle's pressure just before, yet he still boldly pushed his demands. Kyle could feel the nature of a born merchant, one who would not accept even the smallest loss.

It was not unpleasant. He was much better than half-baked small fry. If anything, Kyle would have felt more uneasy if the man had been lukewarm. Crossing a stormy strait was that risky.

"You need guards, then."

"Something similar. We may not have passenger spots, but we do have guard spots. Are you two mercenaries?"

Enrico looked Kyle and Elysia over carefully as he asked.

"For now."

"You seem quite skilled. Do you happen to have a Mercenary Badge that can prove it..."

"No."

Kyle cut off Enrico's words. Then he picked a flower from the vase at the corner of the table and held it.

"This will be more certain than a Mercenary Badge."

As expected of a wealthy Merchant Head, the flower had an exotic shape Kyle had never seen before. Kyle used Wind Magic to slice the flower apart, piece by piece. Cut petals fluttered down beneath the table. The falling petals were swallowed by white flames and melted into the air without leaving a single speck of ash.

"What in..."

Enrico stared at Kyle with eyes stretched wide.

"Is this enough?"

Join our discord at https://dsc.gg/wetried